First awards announced at Chinese ‘Oscars’ in Taiwan

Update: Singapore film "Ilo Ilo" has won best feature film at the Golden Horse Film Awards.

It is the first Singapore film to win at the awards, dubbed the "Oscars" of Chinese-language cinema. The family drama swept a total of four awards at the ceremony.

Director Anthony Chen also won for best new director and best original screenplay, while actress Yeo Yann Yann took home the best supporting actress trophy.

In his acceptance speech, Chen thanked the jury - including director Lee Ang, for introducing Chinese movie-goers to the Singapore film, and expressed hope that the win will be an encouragement to budding Singaporean directors.

TAIPEI - Stars from across Asia gathered in Taipei on Saturday for this year's Golden Horse Film Awards, with Wong Kar-wai's martial arts epic "The Grandmaster" taking several early gongs.

As the first results came in, "The Grandmaster," inspired by the life of Yip Man, the mentor of legendary kung fu star Bruce Lee, swept the technical awards, winning best cinematography, best visual effects, best art director and best make-up/costume design.

The movie, leading the race with 11 nominations, is also vying for best feature film, best director for Wong, best actress for China's Zhang Ziyi and best actor for Hong Kong's Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Singaporean director Anthony Chen won best new director and best original screenplay for the family drama "Ilo Ilo," which is based on his own experience and tells the story of a Filipina maid who befriends the troubled son of the Singaporean family she works for.

"I didn't think I could win, my only wish coming here is to shake Ang Lee's hand," Chen joked after accepting the award. "I want to thank the Golden Horse organisers and the judges."

Malaysia-born, Singapore-based Yeo Yann Yann took the best supporting actress statuette for playing a mother juggling work and family in "Ilo Ilo".

"This is a fantastic journey for me to attend the Golden Horse ceremony in Taiwan. I want to thank the director and my family in Malaysia ... I hope my fantastic journey will continue," said Yeo, who was six months pregnant during filming.